Re: Accommodating us Curmudgeonly phraud-o-graphers

Russo Loco Wrote:
=======================================================
> JoeK Wrote:
> ===================================
> > Don't let your imagination run a wee bit.
>
> Why not??   I have an obligation to be
> Curmudgeonly - otherwise JBWX will suspend
> my membership and Willie & Steve will NEVER let me
> out from behind bars!
>
> > As I mentioned, this isn't my idea. However
> long
> > time ago in a galaxy far away I asked Russ
> Hans-
> > com if he'd run or demo OP if it ran on a
> charter.
> > He said yes.  So there's the OP group!
>
> It doesn't have to be THIS charter, Joe.   In
> fact, IMHO, it shouldn't be.
>
> > Russ is immensely talented.  As well, super
> nice
> > guy.  In addition to OP, he's the talent
> behind the
> > pole barn and the currently being built
> passenger
> > trucks.  Where can anyone ride in a charter
> like
> > this and chat with the guy who rebuilt OP?
>
> I have no problem with that, in fact I'm looking
> forward to meeting Russ and thanking him in person
> for the fantastic work he has done on behalf of
> The Friends and the C&TS.*   I do have a BIG
> problem with mixing a Fall Colors charter with an
> OP Demo charter.  Even with your VERY
> optimistic estimate of 30 minutes (below) to set
> up OP out on the line - and another 30 minutes (I
> presume) to put her away afterward, plus 30
> minutes(?), 45 minutes(??) or and hour(???) for
> the demo itself - you have eaten up half of the
> time - or more - available for Fall Colors
> run-bys.   It's simple arithmetic - a
> ten-hour day, minus 3 hours or more each way just
> to get to Osier, with a little slack to allow for
> problems - and believe me, there are ALWAYS
> problems - leaves less than four hours for run-bys
> -OR- a demo.
>
> > Only parameter I was told is this ... it takes
> 30
> > minutes to bring OP operational.  For
> photos
> > OP is one thing.  However for those of us
> who
> > like video, OP running with 463 is priceless.
> > Doesn't matter where, when.  OB group is
> John
> > Engs.  If there's questions, he's the guy
> to ask.
>
> Again, NO PROBLEM with photos OR videos of #463
> pulling OB and OP across Ferguson's Trestle, up
> Gravity Hill, past Lava Tank, through the Aspen
> groves west of Sublette, around Phantom curve, out
> of Rock Tunnel into afternoon sunlight, or along
> the cliff near mp 317.35.   BIG PROBLEM if
> setting up for a demo of OP or OB takes so much
> time that the train has to head back to Antonito
> before it even gets TO said Aspen groves. 
> Tim Tennant has, VERY wisely, IMHO, decided that
> the demo(s) of OP and/or OB will take place in the
> yard in Antonito on Sunday, and that Saturday's
> trip will be to get photos and videos of an MOW
> train running though Aspen groves that are
> (hopefully) at the peak of Fall Colors.  That
> is what is being advertised, and that is what I
> have bought a ticket for.
>
> > There is also no parameters with food,
> beverages.
> > However I'm no fan of a dried out sandwich,
> chips
> > and a soda. I'd like some reasonable snacks for
> > the ride along with something tasty for a meal.
>
>
> Fine with me!   Apparently you're in charge
> of the cook car, so make up a BIG pot of Irish
> Stew and/or lots of tamales, rellenos, enchiladas
> and refried beans - that's what your cook car is
> for - and I'll look forward to a mid-afternoon
> sammidge & veggie drink and then a hot meal on the
> way back - after an long day of taking
> phraud-0-graphs of a gen-you-wine D&RGW
> maintenance-of-way train out on the line.
>
> > I do like Tim Tennant's idea of wine, cheese,
> > crackers on the annual moonlight train. The
> > wine, cheese and crackers is immensely pop-
> > ular.  However this might not be a wine
> > and cheese crowd but beer 'n' chips.
>
> It's also NOT a non-stop or maybe one-stop dinner
> train, but a photo charter with (hopefully)
> SEVERAL stops - most of them in rough country -
> where people will be getting on and off the train,
> usually in somewhat of a hurry, to get 'er done
> quickly and then on to the next one.  A photo
> stop is NOT a good place to add alcohol to the
> list of potential problems (which Alan undoubtedly
> remembers happening with a certain caboose full of
> Zugfanatikers back in 2012 ... )
>
> I usually have a beer with lunch (whether an
> enchilada, pizza or liverwurst sandwich), and wine
> with dinner (almost always red wine - even with
> Salmon).  But IMHO - primarily for insurance
> reasons - the beer and wine should be saved until
> AFTER the last run-by, when everyone will be
> staying on board until the train is safely back in
> Antonito (if for no other reason than the tendency
> of certain notorious foamers to sing and/or yodel
> when the least bit tipsy).
>
> > Like I said, questions, concerns or want to
> > help, call, email the Friends Albuquerque
> office.
>
>
> It's MUCH more fun, Joe -
>
> And more efficient, IMHO, to hash things out right
> here in public - so nobody gets mis-quoted and
> various ideas can be supported or opposed by all
> concerned in more-or-less real time.  Tim and
> Alan can review this thread if and when they wish,
> and make appropriate comments and decisions as
> they see fit.
>
> - El Greengo Curmudgeoño Viejo y Verde de
> la Costa del Oro
> aka  Der
> DünkelOlivGrünDampfKesselMantelLiebHaber
>
>
> * Anyone named Russ can't be all bad ...  
>  


Agreed. No need for surprises. And why not chat about stuff in the open? Very likely the team leaders and Friend's members who restored the equipment in the consist might be onboard the charter. All are super nice people. Anyone can ask questions as to what's possible with the equipment

Again, don't let your imagination run. 30 min set up for OP likely seems to be a Sunday thing as described in the press release. It could be done on the ride but seems unlikely. However maybe at a later date, future charter, just do that. Take OP or OB out and do some work. And again, not my idea but an idea from John Bush. Wouldn't that make unique photo and video opportunities?

With a cook car and mess hall table, very easily everyone could dine onboard after loading food up at Osier.Things are still being arranged with the Osier kitchen. Stephen Flowers and the Osier staff cook so many things well. Stephen is from Arkansas if I remember right and has a knack for southern food. Any thoughts on that? Btw, the thing to try at Osier is the bread pudding. I usually hate the stuff. The bread pudding at Osier is easily the best anywhere. Almost like eating a cinnamon roll with a lot of glaze. Crisp, sweet, moist and plenty of cinnamon. Perfect!